this is bbc news. hey, big spender, the us congress passes $1.9 trillion in pandemic relief funds. it's a sharp turn from how america has historically dealt with a crisis, this time, injecting cash directly into americans�* pockets. the motion is adopted. despite polls showing strong support for the measure, the vote was about as partisan as they get. only one house member crossed party lines, a democrat, who voted against it. in london, the metropolitan police searching for a missing woman say they have found human remains in a forest. their suspect is one of their own — a serving, fire arms officers. also in the programme.... alaska is outpacing the rest of the us in vaccine distrtribution.

now anyone over 16 can get a jab. we'll hear from a doctor in a remote area about how they're doing it. we shall meet again, and thunder, lightning _ we shall meet again, and thunder, lightning or rain. and all the world's a stage even the virtual world of zoom, we'll talk to actor simon callow about bringing shakespeare to a new generation. hello, i'm katty kay, in washington, christian fraser is in london. it's the first major victory of the biden presidency, a whopping $1.9 trillion stimulus bill, that in the last few hours cleared a final vote in the house of representatives, in the house of representatives. the american rescue plan, as it's called, will now head to the president's desk for his signature. we're expecting him to sign

on friday afternoon, and the cheques will roll out soon after. so what's in this bill, and where's all that money going? well, among other things, there's a new round of means—tested payments of up to $1,400 for most american adults. democrats say as many as 85% of households should see some form of that money. there's also money for state and local governments — and schools. and a major increase in tax credits for people with children. there is something in the bill for everyone — but the bulk goes to poorer people. it is an agressive attempt to curb the worst economic effects of the pandemic; but also to reshape american society into something just a little closer to the european model of a social welfare state. let's bring in our north america correspondent nick bryant. he's also author of the new book, when america stopped being great. nick, thank you forjoining us. joe biden wanted a big win with a big stimulus package. there were a few tweaks, but basically he got what he

wanted, didn't he?— wanted, didn't he? promise made, romise wanted, didn't he? promise made, promise kept- _ wanted, didn't he? promise made, promise kept- a — wanted, didn't he? promise made, promise kept. a big _ wanted, didn't he? promise made, promise kept. a big victory - wanted, didn't he? promise made, promise kept. a big victory for - wanted, didn't he? promise made, promise kept. a big victory forjoe | promise kept. a big victory forjoe biden— promise kept. a big victory forjoe biden early— promise kept. a big victory forjoe biden early on in his presidency, taking _ biden early on in his presidency, taking the — biden early on in his presidency, taking the oath of office, celebrating in capitol hill, this walking, — celebrating in capitol hill, this walking, hey, big spender, as he said recovery package. but what is so striking — said recovery package. but what is so striking about this bill is the polarisation on capitol hill that is exposed — polarisation on capitol hill that is exposed. not a single republican senator— exposed. not a single republican senator voted for this measure, in the upper— senator voted for this measure, in the upper house, not a single republican lawmaker voted for this measure _ republican lawmaker voted for this measure in the house of representatives. and that is out of kitter— representatives. and that is out of kitter with— representatives. and that is out of kilter with the country as a whole. there _ kilter with the country as a whole. there was— kilter with the country as a whole. there was broad support, surprisingly, these polarised times for this— surprisingly, these polarised times for this piece of legislation, but the republicans voted against it nonetheless. find the republicans voted against it nonetheless.— the republicans voted against it nonetheless. �* ., , ., ~ , nonetheless. and do you think this is true what _ nonetheless. and do you think this is true what we _ nonetheless. and do you think this is true what we were _ nonetheless. and do you think this is true what we were saying, - nonetheless. and do you think this i is true what we were saying, america has so long resisted any notion of moving to a bigger welfare state. you and i have been on campaign trails endlessly every time it is

brought up, republicans will slam it as socialism, but particularly in this child tax credit, which is basically money for children and america, just for being a child, there are hints here of a much more progressive country, something that looks a little bit more european. the lesson of recent history is that at times— the lesson of recent history is that at times of— the lesson of recent history is that at times of national crisis, and this is— at times of national crisis, and this is a — at times of national crisis, and this is a moment of national crisis, conservatives tend to become operational estate. that is, people who tend _ operational estate. that is, people who tend to resist government and the good _ who tend to resist government and the good times actually look to benefit — the good times actually look to benefit in the bad times. and maybe that explains some of the support at the grassroots level, but obviously if you _ the grassroots level, but obviously if you are — the grassroots level, but obviously if you are a — the grassroots level, but obviously if you are a blue—collar worker, whoever — if you are a blue—collar worker, whoever you voted for, the idea of getting _ whoever you voted for, the idea of getting a _ whoever you voted for, the idea of getting a $1400 check in the post is going _ getting a $1400 check in the post is going to _ getting a $1400 check in the post is going to be very good. and what is interesting — going to be very good. and what is interesting is how the republicans are playing this, they are trying to setup _ are playing this, they are trying to set up an— are playing this, they are trying to set up an issue ahead of the midterm elections _ set up an issue ahead of the midterm elections in _ set up an issue ahead of the midterm elections in less than two years

time _ elections in less than two years time. they're trying to say this is a tiberat— time. they're trying to say this is a liberal trig _ time. they're trying to say this is a liberal big spending, this is a tiberat— a liberal big spending, this is a liberal overage and historically, as you know. — liberal overage and historically, as you know, that argument has been very effective in the past. in the clinton — very effective in the past. in the clinton administration they lost controt— clinton administration they lost control of congress after two years and in _ control of congress after two years and in the — control of congress after two years and in the 0bama administration they lost controt— and in the 0bama administration they lost control of congress after two years _ lost control of congress after two years and — lost control of congress after two years. and that is what the republicans are trying to do, trying to replicate that saying the democrats are just splurging on spending — democrats are just splurging on spending and hoping the benefits. nick has _ spending and hoping the benefits. nick has a — spending and hoping the benefits. nick has a new book out called with america stopped being great, and i dare say you focus a little bit on the states and how they have changed. and i know among democrats are concerned about losing blue—collar workers, are concerned about losing blue—collarworkers, in are concerned about losing blue—collar workers, in a way, supporters have inverted and republicans are looking to pick up those working—class workers. yesterday action in the house came from tim ryan, how to listen to this. in the late 70s, a ceo made a 35. times the worker, today it is 300 —

400 times the worker. our friends on the other side, running around . with their hair on fire. heaven forbid we passl something that is going to help the damp workers - in the united states of america. heaven forbid! we tilt the balance that has been going in the wrong - direction for 50 years. we talk about pensions, you complain, we talk. about the minimum wage increase, you complain. i we talk about giving them the right to organise, you complain. - but if we were passing a tax cut here, you would be getting - a line to vote yes for it. now stop talking about doctor seuss land start working with us on behalfl of the american workers. i love a bit of passion. which underlines, it underlines that this is very un—american, as we sat in the introduction, this is a big part of the european social welfare state and i wonder how place for republicans. because if they are going to win these blue—collar

workers that are part of the base, they can't just oppose workers that are part of the base, they can'tjust oppose everything. one of the things that is been interesting for the past 50 years is how political polarisation has reatty — how political polarisation has really narrowed income polarisation. economic— really narrowed income polarisation. economic polarisation, the idea that your average american doesn't really believe _ your average american doesn't really believe or— your average american doesn't really believe or have any more confidence in the _ believe or have any more confidence in the american dream in a globalised economy, especially economic castaways in a digitised economy — economic castaways in a digitised economy. that was always a something donald _ economy. that was always a something donald trump benefited from enormously. at the history of this is that— enormously. at the history of this is that the — enormously. at the history of this is that the republicans have been reaching — is that the republicans have been reaching out to blue—collar workers successfully for many years now. we've _ successfully for many years now. we've been talking about the reagan democrats for instance and it wasn't necessarily— democrats for instance and it wasn't necessarily an economic message, it was sometimes a cultural message. they looked on cultural ground, that was why— they looked on cultural ground, that was why he — they looked on cultural ground, that was why he was talking about dr. seuss— was why he was talking about dr. seuss there and the latest row over the depiction of african—americans and chinese americans in those books — and chinese americans in those books it— and chinese americans in those books it is— and chinese americans in those books. it is cultural to —— cultural

terrain— books. it is cultural to —— cultural terrain that — books. it is cultural to —— cultural terrain that the republicans look at, terrain that the republicans look at. but _ terrain that the republicans look at. but we — terrain that the republicans look at, but we know the donald trump benefited — at, but we know the donald trump benefited as well. he established a strong _ benefited as well. he established a strong connection, he made himself a working _ strong connection, he made himself a working class hero, even though he was a _ working class hero, even though he was a been — working class hero, even though he was a been a very —— billionaire and a beneficiary— was a been a very —— billionaire and a beneficiary of the economy. one of the things— a beneficiary of the economy. one of the thingsjoe biden did was reclaim the thingsjoe biden did was reclaim the rust— the thingsjoe biden did was reclaim the rust belt with the democratic party. _ the rust belt with the democratic party, one of the things he managed to do _ party, one of the things he managed to do. . ~ party, one of the things he managed to do. ., ,, i. party, one of the things he managed to do. ., ~' ,, , party, one of the things he managed todo. ., , . to do. thank you very much, i will aet to do. thank you very much, i will net to to do. thank you very much, i will get to the — to do. thank you very much, i will get to the book, _ to do. thank you very much, i will get to the book, and _ to do. thank you very much, i will get to the book, and what - to do. thank you very much, i will get to the book, and what do - to do. thank you very much, i will get to the book, and what do you | get to the book, and what do you think, given that i got zero republican votes? where you think that lisa politics? —— leaves the politics? what is next, infrastructure? . , ., infrastructure? infrastructure is a bi . infrastructure? infrastructure is a big spending _ infrastructure? infrastructure is a big spending one. _ infrastructure? infrastructure is a big spending one, but _ infrastructure? infrastructure is a big spending one, but also - infrastructure? infrastructure is a big spending one, but also police perform and voting rights. those are the two big ones that progressives are very interested in in the democratic party and are desperate

forjoe biden to throw his weight behind changing the congressional rules to get us past. i think with the body and a ministration are hoping is, we get a big win, the body and a ministration are hoping is, we geta big win, we the body and a ministration are hoping is, we get a big win, we get popularity, this bill is likely to grow in popularity as people start receiving the checks, it will not shrink, more people are going like it when they start getting the money from it and that would then give him some political leverage over his republican colleagues to say, ok, we have to support other things because the president has its amount of popularity. but the president has its amount of pepuiarity-_ the president has its amount of --oulari . �* ,, ,., popularity. but he has the likes of the senator _ popularity. but he has the likes of the senator from _ popularity. but he has the likes of the senator from west _ popularity. but he has the likes of the senator from west virginia - popularity. but he has the likes of. the senator from west virginia who went the bipartisanship and aren't going tojust go went the bipartisanship and aren't going to just go through next time. yeah. let's see whether he manages to get any of that. i think he has realised he is not going to get much bipartisanship. let's get some of the day's other news. hundreds of soldiers in myanmar have started expelling railway workers from their homes in yangon in an attempt to break up

an indefinite strike called in protest at last month's coup. the workers were living on a state—owned housing compound. an appeal has gone out to help them find food and shelter. health systems in most of brazil's largest cities are close to collapse because of covid—19 cases. that's the warning from the country's leading health institute. fio—cruz said more than 80% of intensive care beds are occupied in the capitals of 25 of brazil's 27 states. on tuesday the country recorded nearly 2,000 covid deaths — a new daily record. us secretary of state antony blinken will meet with top chinese officials on next week, the state department said today. it's the first high—level in—person contact between the two countries under the biden administration. significant, that? look, this is clearly the big challenge, that they need to sort out the relationship with china going into this period of

extraordinary competitiveness on so many levels. i think it is also the area where you are probably going to see leased daylight between the trump administration and the body and the ministration. i know we are going to see an end to economic populism around things like tariffs, the trump administration introduced, little sign that the body ministration is going to drop a lot of that —— biden administration, but it is the... of that -- biden administration, but it isthe... , of that -- biden administration, but itisthe... . of that -- biden administration, but it is the- - -— it is the... maybe we are getting to that a bit this — it is the... maybe we are getting to that a bit this week. _ it is the... maybe we are getting to that a bit this week. when - it is the... maybe we are getting to that a bit this week. when they - it is the... maybe we are getting to| that a bit this week. when they had that a bit this week. when they had that meeting _ that a bit this week. when they had that meeting op — that a bit this week. when they had that meeting up in _ that a bit this week. when they had that meeting up in alaska. - that a bit this week. when they had that meeting up in alaska. we - that a bit this week. when they had that meeting up in alaska. we are l that meeting up in alaska. we are ttoin to that meeting up in alaska. we are going to alaska — that meeting up in alaska. we are going to alaska later— that meeting up in alaska. we are going to alaska later in _ that meeting up in alaska. we are going to alaska later in the - going to alaska later in the programme, stay tuned for that. the brother of the ghislaine maxwell — ian maxwell — has described her treatment in jail in new york as "degrading", and says it "amounts to torture". 59—year—old ms maxwell is seeking bail, ahead of her trial on charges she helped the convicted sex offenderjeffrey epstein groom young girls — a charge she denies. this report from our

new york correspondent nada tawfik. jeffrey epstein and ghislaine maxwell shared an intimate relationship. to epstein's alleged victims, the pair were a dangerous combination. ghislaine maxwell, they say, was the chief enabler of the sex offender. and now, herfamily is finally speaking out. ian maxwell defended his sister in an interview with the bbc. he said she was being treated in a fashion that amounted to torture. physically, as a 59—year—old woman, we understand that she is losing her hair and that she is also having trouble with her eyesight and her ability to concentrate. because this is a tremendous pressure to be under. his comments come under as his sister is seeking bailfor a third time, desperate to leave that federal prison here in brooklyn and to wait out the trial under home confinement. the georgia has previously ruled that she is a flight risk, ghislaine maxwell says she is innocent. ghislaine is not a suicide

risk, she has never been a suicide risk. there are daily mental evaluations of her and she has shown no indication that that is her intention, she has been completely over managed, and why is that? because jeffrey epstein, who was under federal custody at the time of his death, died in federal custody. so this is a grotesque overreaction. for her alleged victims, though, it is not. women that i represent, these 20 victims, many of them have suffered for so many years. they have, some of them, engaged in self blaming, feel ashamed, they are understanding now that it is not their fault, but this has been a long process.

ian maxwell says that he met jeffrey epstein once fleetingly and that he only saw him and his sister together once. there are numerous photos, including this infamous one with prince andrew, which he was asked about in his bbc interview. i don't know anything about the photograph, other than i have seen it as being published. do you recognise the setting of that, was it set in her house in london? i do recognise that setting. he believes his sister still consideres prince andrew a friend. the prince, meanwhile, has stepped back from royal duties to reduce his public profile. with the trial drawing near, the world may finally get to uncover the truth about epstein, his associates and what has been called the most notorious sex trafficking ring in us history. for those watching on bbc world news — we'll be right back.

the government has extended the ban on evictions enforced by bailiffs in england until the end of may. the ban has already been extended several times. our political correspondent jonathan blake has more. when the housing secretary robertjenrick said, as the first lockdown was introduced in england, around this time last year, that nobody should lose their home as a result of losing income due to coronavirus. and the idea was to put in place a protection to ensure that people who fell behind on their rent because they had lost theirjob or their income had fallen due to the pandemic, could not be evicted. of course, when the message from the government was for people to stay at home, and what was initially supposed to be a short—term measure has been extended several times between then and now, and we learned today that it will be extended until the end of may, along with an extension to an evictions ban for commercial

properties as well. as britain races ahead with its vaccination programme, you can understand why some might start to feel complacent about covid—19. infection rates and deaths are falling. the temporary nightingale hospitals are closing. over1 in 3 adults in the uk have now had their first covid jab. but the experts here — as in the united states — are warning this is not the time to ease up. and that is because new research published today suggests the highly infectious b117 strain — which is more commonly known as the kent variant — may be up to twice as deadly as previous variants of coronavirus. combine that with b117�*s ability to spread rapidly and you can see why experts are urging caution. so what to make of this development? let's bring in dr leon danon from the university of bristol — he's one of the authors behind the study.

how surprised were you to find that it is that much more deadly, this variant? ~ ., , , , , variant? we were a bit surprised, in fact we set — variant? we were a bit surprised, in fact we set out _ variant? we were a bit surprised, in fact we set out to _ variant? we were a bit surprised, in fact we set out to show _ variant? we were a bit surprised, in fact we set out to show that - variant? we were a bit surprised, in fact we set out to show that it - variant? we were a bit surprised, in fact we set out to show that it was i fact we set out to show that it was neutral— fact we set out to show that it was neutral when it came to mortality, so when _ neutral when it came to mortality, so when he — neutral when it came to mortality, so when he saw the results we were quite _ so when he saw the results we were quite surprised. i so when he saw the results we were quite surprised-— quite surprised. i get a lot of --eole quite surprised. i get a lot of people looking _ quite surprised. i get a lot of people looking at _ quite surprised. i get a lot of people looking at the - quite surprised. i get a lot of people looking at the rate i quite surprised. i get a lot of people looking at the rate of| people looking at the rate of hospitalisations, the good news and we pointed to, the fact that nightingale hospitals have closed are going to say how does that measure up. we keeping told that they b117 is a dominant strain, we are now being told that it is also more deadly, but death rates and hospitalisations are falling in the country. i hospitalisations are falling in the count . ~ ., , ., country. i think that is due to the extremely _ country. i think that is due to the extremely effective _ country. i think that is due to the extremely effective lockdown - country. i think that is due to the | extremely effective lockdown that country. i think that is due to the - extremely effective lockdown that we have been— extremely effective lockdown that we have been under. that has driven the case rates _ have been under. that has driven the case rates very strongly down, so the excess — case rates very strongly down, so the excess mortality hasn't really translated into large numbers and additional deaths. nevertheless, we do see _ additional deaths. nevertheless, we do see the _ additional deaths. nevertheless, we do see the canned variant does

appear— do see the canned variant does appear to — do see the canned variant does appear to have elevated mortality when _ appear to have elevated mortality when compared to previously circulating variants. it is important to remember that it is all of the _ important to remember that it is all of the kent — important to remember that it is all of the kent area in the uk. we were told that over _ of the kent area in the uk. we were told that over time _ of the kent area in the uk. we were told that over time viruses - of the kent area in the uk. we were told that over time viruses evolved l told that over time viruses evolved told that over time viruses evolved to become less deadly and yet this seems to be getting more infectious and more deadly, so what does that mean for the evolution of this variant, if there is a lot of itaround?— variant, if there is a lot of itaround? . ., , ., ., , itaround? are not sure what it means for the evolution _ itaround? are not sure what it means for the evolution of _ itaround? are not sure what it means for the evolution of this _ itaround? are not sure what it means for the evolution of this particular - for the evolution of this particular variant, _ for the evolution of this particular variant, i— for the evolution of this particular variant, i think what he demonstrates is that our theory needs— demonstrates is that our theory needs revising when it comes to viruses. — needs revising when it comes to viruses. it— needs revising when it comes to viruses, it certainly does appear to be the _ viruses, it certainly does appear to be the case — viruses, it certainly does appear to be the case that this variant is troth— be the case that this variant is both more _ be the case that this variant is both more transmissible and it looks to be _ both more transmissible and it looks to be more _ both more transmissible and it looks to be more deadly. so we need to revise _ to be more deadly. so we need to revise the — to be more deadly. so we need to revise the theory. 30 to be more deadly. so we need to revise the theory.— revise the theory. so not context, ou're revise the theory. so not context, you're the — revise the theory. so not context, you're the state _ revise the theory. so not context, you're the state like _ revise the theory. so not context, you're the state like texas - revise the theory. so not context, you're the state like texas where l you're the state like texas where they have a bigger mix of all the variance, like the kent variant,

they are unlocking, unmasking, there is a lot of itaround come it possible that that variant could mutate again?— possible that that variant could mutate again? possible that that variant could mutate atain? ~ ,,., , ., mutate again? absolutely, and the onl wa mutate again? absolutely, and the only way that _ mutate again? absolutely, and the only way that the _ mutate again? absolutely, and the only way that the virus _ mutate again? absolutely, and the only way that the virus is _ mutate again? absolutely, and the only way that the virus is going - mutate again? absolutely, and the only way that the virus is going to l only way that the virus is going to mutate _ only way that the virus is going to mutate is — only way that the virus is going to mutate is if— only way that the virus is going to mutate is if it is able to replicate, and the only weight is going _ replicate, and the only weight is going to — replicate, and the only weight is going to replicate beyond a single person— going to replicate beyond a single person is— going to replicate beyond a single person is if it is able to transmit. so it— person is if it is able to transmit. so it is— person is if it is able to transmit. so it is really important to try to keep— so it is really important to try to keep the — so it is really important to try to keep the rates of infection down as low as— keep the rates of infection down as low as possible. and in the uk, we are getting — low as possible. and in the uk, we are getting there, but there is still scopes for mutations that are even _ still scopes for mutations that are even more — still scopes for mutations that are even more dangerous. so still scopes for mutations that are even more dangerous.— still scopes for mutations that are even more dangerous. so how worried are ou even more dangerous. so how worried are you then — even more dangerous. so how worried are you then about _ even more dangerous. so how worried are you then about the _ even more dangerous. so how worried are you then about the timetable - are you then about the timetable that the uk has for opening up? do you think that what you have found in your study needs to get people to have a second look at that timetable? i have a second look at that timetable?— have a second look at that timetable? ~ , , timetable? i think these findings have been taken _ timetable? i think these findings have been taken largely - timetable? i think these findings have been taken largely into - timetable? i think these findings - have been taken largely into account when _ have been taken largely into account when opening up has been studied.

and we _ when opening up has been studied. and we have known for some time this variant— and we have known for some time this variant is— and we have known for some time this variant is more transmissible, we have _ variant is more transmissible, we have also— variant is more transmissible, we have also known that it appears to be more _ have also known that it appears to be more deadly and now we have a peer—reviewed publication of that, which _ peer—reviewed publication of that, which is _ peer—reviewed publication of that, which is what we're talking about now _ which is what we're talking about now but — which is what we're talking about now. but this has been suspected for some _ now. but this has been suspected for sometime _ now. but this has been suspected for some time. and it has spread into the evidence that we are collecting. 0k, the evidence that we are collecting. 0k. thank— the evidence that we are collecting. ok, thank you very much forjoining us. 0k, thank you very much for “oining us. . 0k, thank you very much for “oining us, ., ", ., 0k, thank you very much for “oining us. ., ., ., | 0k, thank you very much forjoining us-_ i think i 0k, thank you very much forjoining us-_ i think iti us. thanks for having me. i think it would make _ us. thanks for having me. i think it would make us— us. thanks for having me. i think it would make us a _ us. thanks for having me. i think it would make us a most— us. thanks for having me. i think it would make us a most unpopular. would make us a most unpopular people in the world as we suggested that places should stay shutdown for longer, but this is very worrying, this new report. it's a challenge all parents have faced during lockdown — how to keep children engaged with school work whilst at home. and that issue can be really hard when it comes to learning the classics. from shakespeare, to marlowe their somewhat antiquated texts have had exhuasted parents asking — to teach, or not

to teach, to paraphrase. read through is a new project where some of the uk's biggest stars join forces to act out a classic shakespeare plays. star of stage and screen simon callow is taking part in tomorrow's reading of romeo and juliet, earlier we spoke to him and one of the brainchilds behind read through, alasdair buchan. i'v e i've heard of shakespeare being adapted for the screen, but how difficult is it to do justice to the board on zoom? difficult is it to do “ustice to the board on zoom?_ board on zoom? that is an interesting _ board on zoom? that is an interesting question - board on zoom? that is an l interesting question because board on zoom? that is an - interesting question because there is a long _ interesting question because there is a long provision of shakespeare on the _ is a long provision of shakespeare on the radio, i have been involved in that— on the radio, i have been involved in that myself. zuma is a peculiar media, _ in that myself. zuma is a peculiar media, -- — in that myself. zuma is a peculiar media, —— zoom, and at this moment i can't _ media, —— zoom, and at this moment i can't see _ media, —— zoom, and at this moment i can't see you _ media, —— zoom, and at this moment i can't see you and you can see me and i can't see you and you can see me and i have _ can't see you and you can see me and i have to _ can't see you and you can see me and i have to guess at your reactions. that— i have to guess at your reactions. that is— i have to guess at your reactions. that is the — i have to guess at your reactions. that is the hardest thing of all, i think. _ that is the hardest thing of all, i think. that — that is the hardest thing of all, i think, that normally when we have an interchangeable audience, a live

audience, — interchangeable audience, a live audience, we experience something and it— audience, we experience something and it changes us. as it is, i'm having — and it changes us. as it is, i'm having to _ and it changes us. as it is, i'm having to sort of guess how the audience — having to sort of guess how the audience are responding to what i'm saying _ audience are responding to what i'm saying it— audience are responding to what i'm sa int. , . audience are responding to what i'm sa int. _, audience are responding to what i'm sa int. ,., ., saying. it is a good point that sonia makes _ saying. it is a good point that sonia makes because - saying. it is a good point that sonia makes because i - saying. it is a good point that sonia makes because i have l saying. it is a good point that. sonia makes because i have to confess, as a young boy, i didn't much understand shakespeare until i went to the merchant of venice at the royal exchange in manchester and suddenly it came alive to me. because i think you have to experience shakespeare, to be able to see it. , ~ , to see it. yes, i think it is written — to see it. yes, i think it is written to _ to see it. yes, i think it is written to be _ to see it. yes, i think it is written to be performed, | to see it. yes, i think it is. written to be performed, it to see it. yes, i think it is - written to be performed, it wasn't written _ written to be performed, it wasn't written to — written to be performed, it wasn't written to be performed, it wasn't written to be red or flat on a plate like anything like that, so i think watching — like anything like that, so i think watching it live, obviously in bowl glorious _ watching it live, obviously in bowl glorious 3d. but i think hearing it spoken— glorious 3d. but i think hearing it spoken and lived does make it much easier— spoken and lived does make it much easier to— spoken and lived does make it much easier to understand and follow love with _ easier to understand and follow love with. �* ., easier to understand and follow love with. �* ._ ., easier to understand and follow love with. �* ., ., ., with. and if i may add to that, althou . h with. and if i may add to that, although we — with. and if i may add to that, although we don't _ with. and if i may add to that, although we don't have - with. and if i may add to that, although we don't have a - although we don't have a relationship _ although we don't have a relationship with- although we don't have a relationship with the - although we don't have a - relationship with the audience in a way that— relationship with the audience in a way that you — relationship with the audience in a way that you would, _ relationship with the audience in a way that you would, we _ relationship with the audience in a way that you would, we do - relationship with the audience in a way that you would, we do have . relationship with the audience in a way that you would, we do have a| way that you would, we do have a relationship — way that you would, we do have a relationship with— way that you would, we do have a relationship with each _ way that you would, we do have a relationship with each other. - way that you would, we do have a relationship with each other. so l way that you would, we do have a. relationship with each other. so we can see _ relationship with each other. so we can see each — relationship with each other. so we can see each other— relationship with each other. so we can see each other and _ relationship with each other. so we can see each other and we - relationship with each other. so we can see each other and we can - relationship with each other. so wej can see each other and we can take off each— can see each other and we can take off each other —

can see each other and we can take off each other the _ can see each other and we can take off each other the various - can see each other and we can take off each other the various impulsesj off each other the various impulses and unexpected _ off each other the various impulses and unexpected elements - off each other the various impulses and unexpected elements that - off each other the various impulses and unexpected elements that are i and unexpected elements that are what will— and unexpected elements that are what will make _ and unexpected elements that are what will make it _ and unexpected elements that are what will make it live. _ and unexpected elements that are what will make it live. and - and unexpected elements that are what will make it live. and as - and unexpected elements that are what will make it live. and as he l what will make it live. and as he rightly _ what will make it live. and as he rightly said. _ what will make it live. and as he rightly said, shakespeare - what will make it live. and as he rightly said, shakespeare is - what will make it live. and as he rightly said, shakespeare is notl rightly said, shakespeare is not meant — rightly said, shakespeare is not meant for— rightly said, shakespeare is not meant for the _ rightly said, shakespeare is not meant for the study, _ rightly said, shakespeare is not meant for the study, it - rightly said, shakespeare is not meant for the study, it wasn't l meant for the study, it wasn't intended _ meant for the study, it wasn't intended for, _ meant for the study, it wasn't intended for, it _ meant for the study, it wasn't intended for, it was _ meant for the study, it wasn't intended for, it was intendedl meant for the study, it wasn't l intended for, it was intended to create _ intended for, it was intended to create the — intended for, it was intended to create the illusion _ intended for, it was intended to create the illusion of _ intended for, it was intended to create the illusion of life. - intended for, it was intended to create the illusion of life. and l create the illusion of life. and that— create the illusion of life. and that comment _ create the illusion of life. and that comment to _ create the illusion of life. and that comment to a _ create the illusion of life. and that comment to a large - create the illusion of life. and i that comment to a large extent, comes— that comment to a large extent, comes from _ that comment to a large extent, comes from our— that comment to a large extent, comes from our relationship - that comment to a large extent, | comes from our relationship with that comment to a large extent, - comes from our relationship with our fellow— comes from our relationship with our fellow players — comes from our relationship with our fellow players. so— comes from our relationship with our fellow players-— fellow players. so is it almost like ttivin the fellow players. so is it almost like giving the audience _ fellow players. so is it almost like giving the audience a _ fellow players. so is it almost like giving the audience a sneak- fellow players. so is it almost like giving the audience a sneak peek, behind the curtains of her her souls, and a sense? you are pulling the men and deconstructing —— behind the men and deconstructing —— behind the curtains. it is the men and deconstructing -- behind the curtains-— the curtains. it is a bit behind the scenes, watching _ the curtains. it is a bit behind the scenes, watching actors - the curtains. it is a bit behind the scenes, watching actors at - the curtains. it is a bit behind the scenes, watching actors at their. scenes, watching actors at their most _ scenes, watching actors at their most raw— scenes, watching actors at their most raw and vulnerable, so suddenly coming _ most raw and vulnerable, so suddenly coming up _ most raw and vulnerable, so suddenly coming up with ideas and spotting of each other~ — coming up with ideas and spotting of each other. we will have a short rehearsal — each other. we will have a short rehearsal before we do it, but it is going _ rehearsal before we do it, but it is going to _ rehearsal before we do it, but it is going to be — rehearsal before we do it, but it is going to be asked very instinctively responding to it. one of the things we are _

responding to it. one of the things we are most keen on is that it is clear— we are most keen on is that it is clear as — we are most keen on is that it is clear as possible, so nothing can detract _ clear as possible, so nothing can detract from the story and watching these _ detract from the story and watching these wonderful characters come to life tty— these wonderful characters come to life by extraordinary people. go these wonderful characters come to life by extraordinary people.- life by extraordinary people. go on, simon, life by extraordinary people. go on, simon. before _ life by extraordinary people. go on, simon, before we _ life by extraordinary people. go on, simon, before we finish. _ life by extraordinary people. go on, simon, before we finish. do - life by extraordinary people. go on, simon, before we finish. do us - life by extraordinary people. go on, simon, before we finish. do us a i simon, before we finish. do us a little bit of shakespeare.- little bit of shakespeare. what? that is a cruel... _ little bit of shakespeare. what? that is a cruel... you _ little bit of shakespeare. what? that is a cruel... you want - little bit of shakespeare. what? that is a cruel... you want to i little bit of shakespeare. what? i that is a cruel... you want to keep our that is a cruel... you want to keep your audience _ that is a cruel... you want to keep your audience happy. _ that is a cruel. .. you want to keep your audience happy. i _ that is a cruel. .. you want to keep your audience happy. i will- that is a cruel... you want to keep your audience happy. i will do i your audience happy. i will do something — your audience happy. i will do something else. _ your audience happy. i will do something else. like - your audience happy. i will do something else. like as i your audience happy. i will do something else. like as the i your audience happy. i will do i something else. like as the waves make _ something else. like as the waves make towardsm _ something else. like as the waves make towards... i— something else. like as the waves make towards... i will— something else. like as the waves make towards... i will start - something else. like as the waves make towards... i will start that l make towards... i will start that again _ make towards... i will start that again like _ make towards... i will start that again like as— make towards... i will start that again. like as the _ make towards... i will start that again. like as the waves - make towards... i will start that again. like as the waves make i again. like as the waves make towards — again. like as the waves make towards the _ again. like as the waves make towards the shore, _ again. like as the waves make towards the shore, so - again. like as the waves make towards the shore, so do i again. like as the waves make towards the shore, so do our. again. like as the waves make - towards the shore, so do our minutes hasten _ towards the shore, so do our minutes hasten to— towards the shore, so do our minutes hasten to their— towards the shore, so do our minutes hasten to their end. _ towards the shore, so do our minutes hasten to their end. each _ towards the shore, so do our minutes hasten to their end. each changing i hasten to their end. each changing place _ hasten to their end. each changing place with— hasten to their end. each changing place with that _ hasten to their end. each changing place with that which _ hasten to their end. each changing place with that which goes - hasten to their end. each changing place with that which goes before, | place with that which goes before, and sequent — place with that which goes before, and sequent toil, _ place with that which goes before, and sequent toil, all— place with that which goes before, and sequent toil, all forwards i place with that which goes before, and sequent toil, all forwards to l and sequent toil, all forwards to contend — and sequent toil, all forwards to contend. nativity, _ and sequent toil, all forwards to contend. nativity, once - and sequent toil, all forwards to contend. nativity, once a - and sequent toil, all forwards to| contend. nativity, once a domain and sequent toil, all forwards to i contend. nativity, once a domain of li-ht contend. nativity, once a domain of light to _ contend. nativity, once a domain of light to maturity— contend. nativity, once a domain of light to maturity where _ contend. nativity, once a domain of light to maturity where with - contend. nativity, once a domain of light to maturity where with being l light to maturity where with being crowned. — light to maturity where with being crowned, crooked _ light to maturity where with being crowned, crooked eclipses- light to maturity where with being| crowned, crooked eclipses against his glory— crowned, crooked eclipses against his glory fight, _ crowned, crooked eclipses against his glory fight, and _ crowned, crooked eclipses against his glory fight, and time, - crowned, crooked eclipses against his glory fight, and time, which i his glory fight, and time, which gave _ his glory fight, and time, which gave of— his glory fight, and time, which gave of now— his glory fight, and time, which gave of now his _ his glory fight, and time, which gave of now his gift _ his glory fight, and time, which gave of now his gift to - his glory fight, and time, whichl gave of now his gift to confound. time _ gave of now his gift to confound. time trends _

gave of now his gift to confound. time trends fixes _ gave of now his gift to confound. time trends fixes and _ gave of now his gift to confound. time trends fixes and delves i gave of now his gift to confound. time trends fixes and delves thej time trends fixes and delves the parallels— time trends fixes and delves the parallels and _ time trends fixes and delves the parallels and beauties _ time trends fixes and delves the parallels and beauties brow, i time trends fixes and delves the i parallels and beauties brow, nothing stands _ parallels and beauties brow, nothing stands before — parallels and beauties brow, nothing stands before his _ parallels and beauties brow, nothing stands before his side... _ parallels and beauties brow, nothing stands before his side... that - parallels and beauties brow, nothing stands before his side... that is i stands before his side... that is part— stands before his side... that is part of— stands before his side... that is part of the — stands before his side... that is part of the sonnet. _ stands before his side. .. that is part of the sonnet.— stands before his side... that is| part of the sonnet.- thank part of the sonnet. bravo! thank ou. part of the sonnet. bravo! thank you- lovely _ part of the sonnet. bravo! thank you- lovely to — part of the sonnet. bravo! thank you. lovely to talk _ part of the sonnet. bravo! thank you. lovely to talk to _ part of the sonnet. bravo! thank you. lovely to talk to you - part of the sonnet. bravo! thank you. lovely to talk to you both, | you. lovely to talk to you both, thank you _ you. lovely to talk to you both, thank you for— you. lovely to talk to you both, thank you for coming _ you. lovely to talk to you both, thank you for coming on. i you. lovely to talk to you both, j thank you for coming on. thank you. lovely to talk to you both, i thank you for coming on. thank you. you knew that was a sonnet, right? i was having anxiety attack listening to it thinking that i didn't recognise what plate was and then i realise it was a sonnet. because you knew it when it was. i realise it was a sonnet. because you knew it when it was.— knew it when it was. i thought it was sonnet _ knew it when it was. i thought it was sonnet 60 _ knew it when it was. i thought it was sonnet 60 of— knew it when it was. i thought it was sonnet 60 of the _ knew it when it was. i thought it was sonnet 60 of the 154 - knew it when it was. i thought it was sonnet 60 of the 154 that i was sonnet 60 of the 154 that shakespeare wrote. you was sonnet 60 of the 154 that shakespeare wrote.— was sonnet 60 of the 154 that shakespeare wrote. you talk such rubbish, shakespeare wrote. you talk such rubbish. you _ shakespeare wrote. you talk such rubbish, you didn't _ shakespeare wrote. you talk such rubbish, you didn't even - shakespeare wrote. you talk such rubbish, you didn't even know- rubbish, you didn't even know shakespeare. what do you mean? it doesn't have quite the same ream, all the world is in call. not quite the same. i all the world is in call. not quite the same-—

all the world is in call. not quite the same. ~ ~' the same. i like sonnet 61, sonnet 61 on zoom _ the same. i like sonnet 61, sonnet 61 on zoom for— the same. i like sonnet 61, sonnet 61 on zoom for me. _ the same. i like sonnet 61, sonnet 61 on zoom for me. you _ the same. i like sonnet 61, sonnet 61 on zoom for me. you like i the same. i like sonnet 61, sonnet 61 on zoom for me. you like the i 61 on zoom for me. you like the early works- _ very strong winds on the way for the uk in the next few days, but potentially a peak overnight tonight with gales around western coast and across the hills, some very stormy seas also. what we're saying at the moment is an area of low pressure deepening, heading our from the atla ntic atlantic and we expected to reach peak intensity in terms of that gusty winds. sometime in the middle of the night, 3am to perhaps 6am across western regions of wales and the south of england. into the small hours, more rain to put across scotland and northern ireland and northern england. further south, the rain little bit more showery, but nevertheless here we are anticipating the strongest of the winds, particularly for a western

facing coast. the cloud, the wind and the rain made a mild night, no concerns with the overnight temperature, the wind will be strong enough to clear things across parts of wales and the southwest of england to cause some damage and disruption and make for some very rough conditions through the irish sea. through thursday daytime, as we see the low centre pulling away to the east, the winds will lease back somewhat, but thursday daytime in comparison wednesday could still actually feel windier because it will be pretty gusty across—the—board on into thursday afternoon. drier, brighter, yes, some sunshine, but some showers coming in on the westerly wind, chilly orfield to coming in on the westerly wind, chilly or field to proceedings. the temperatures in single figures. we will look at those guests once again. you can see they are lower than they will be after the small hours of thursday, but they are still significant, hours of thursday, but they are stillsignificant, even hours of thursday, but they are still significant, even in land, 50 mph across parts of england and wales well on into thursday evening. and for friday, some changes, but

quite subtle, still low pressure driving the weather, still noticeable winds, more organised showers speeding and across england wales. the winds, comparison to thursday, should be a little bit lighter and gusty, but a breezy day, perhaps increasingly wintry showers, and we cannot rule out hail mixed with these. even on into the weekend, the picture it still looks pretty windy. saturday, some further showers, perhaps heavier ones for a time across england and wales, sunday we should start to see the winds easing quite significantly, quite a bit of dry weather as well.

you're watching bbc news with me katty kay in washington, christian fraser is in london. our top stories... president biden's 1.9 trillion dollars stimulus bill cleared a final vote in the house of representatives — it's set to be signed into law by the president on friday. here in london, police searching for a missing woman say they have found human remains in a forest. but detectives have not been able to confirm the identity, and they say this may take some time. also in the programme... alaska becomes the first state in the us to make covid—19 vaccinations available to anyone over the age of 16. and the sound of the highlands is going global — we celebrate the bagpipe

renaissance. a blockbuster spending package deserves a second—look, it will have a big impact on the global economy. so we start this half—hour with more on the passage of the biden administration's 1.9 trillion dollar rescue plan. in the last few hours, the us house of represenatives passed the measure this afternoon. president biden will sign it into law on friday. the vote was almost entirely along party lines, with only one democrat voting against the measure. every single republican opposed. so what happened tojoe's biden promise to engage the republicans in his agenda? it's odd, because there is evidence that quite a lot republican voters approved of it. polling from the pew research centre suggest on the whole 70% of americans welcome the legislation.

break it down and you can see there that it's overwhelmingly backed by democrats. just 6% oppose it and surprisingly, although 57% of republicans are opposed, 41% of republicans actually like this bill. when you drill deeper into the socio—economic background of the republicans who responded, you see that support is lowest amongst wealthier republicans. while 63% of lower income republicans give it a thumbs up. perhaps no surprise that! let's see how this is playing out in the real world, and for that we go to baltimore, and the diaspora salon. we're joined by owner yasmin young and her stylist leah register. thank you so much forjoining us. leo, thank you forjoining us as well. yasmin, let's start with you. what difference is decibels going to make your life was like well, number one, the bill will make a difference

in my life because it will make a difference in my customer's live. == difference in my customer's live. -- customers" — difference in my customer's live. —— customers' lives. our customers will be able _ customers' lives. our customers will be able to— customers' lives. our customers will be able to come into this alone, they— be able to come into this alone, they will— be able to come into this alone, they will be able to get their personal services done. that they have _ personal services done. that they have not— personal services done. that they have not been able to do in the last few months. maybe their purse strings— few months. maybe their purse strings were a little tight. it also allows _ strings were a little tight. it also allows the business to receive a paycheque protection along through the federal government and that loan allows— the federal government and that loan allows for— the federal government and that loan allows for two and a half months worth— allows for two and a half months worth of— allows for two and a half months worth of payroll for employees. that will definitely help my business out. ,, , , .., ., out. super helpful, i can imagine. leo, out. super helpful, i can imagine. leo. there — out. super helpful, i can imagine. leo. there is _ out. super helpful, i can imagine. leo, there is also _ out. super helpful, i can imagine. leo, there is also $1400 - out. super helpful, i can imagine. leo, there is also $1400 in - out. super helpful, i can imagine. | leo, there is also $1400 in checks that are going to go out to a lot of americans. are you going to get one of those checks, do you think? are you an income bracket and if so, how are you going to spend at? i am you an income bracket and if so, how are you going to spend at?— are you going to spend at? i am in the bracket- _ are you going to spend at? i am in the bracket. i—

are you going to spend at? i am in the bracket. i plan _ are you going to spend at? i am in the bracket. i plan on _ are you going to spend at? i am in the bracket. i plan on putting i are you going to spend at? i am in the bracket. i plan on putting it. the bracket. i plan on putting it away— the bracket. i plan on putting it away for— the bracket. i plan on putting it away for purchasing _ the bracket. i plan on putting it away for purchasing a - the bracket. i plan on putting it away for purchasing a house i the bracket. i plan on putting it away for purchasing a house in| the bracket. i plan on putting it. away for purchasing a house in the next few _ away for purchasing a house in the next few years _ away for purchasing a house in the next few years. to _ away for purchasing a house in the next few years-— away for purchasing a house in the next few years. to save my money. congratulations! _ next few years. to save my money. congratulations! thank _ next few years. to save my money. congratulations! thank you. - next few years. to save my money. congratulations! thank you. so i next few years. to save my money. congratulations! thank you. so you j congratulations! thank you. so you will be saving _ congratulations! thank you. so you will be saving op — congratulations! thank you. so you will be saving up money, _ congratulations! thank you. so you will be saving up money, you i congratulations! thank you. so you will be saving up money, you won'tj will be saving up money, you won't be spending other things at the moment? hat be spending other things at the moment? ., ., , , moment? not immediately. things ha . ten moment? not immediately. things ha- ten in moment? not immediately. things happen in life. _ moment? not immediately. things happen in life, so, _ moment? not immediately. things happen in life, so, you _ moment? not immediately. things happen in life, so, you know, i moment? not immediately. things happen in life, so, you know, it- moment? not immediately. things happen in life, so, you know, it is. happen in life, so, you know, it is nice _ happen in life, so, you know, it is nice to _ happen in life, so, you know, it is nice to have — happen in life, so, you know, it is nice to have a _ happen in life, so, you know, it is nice to have a little _ happen in life, so, you know, it is nice to have a little cushion- happen in life, so, you know, it is nice to have a little cushion for. nice to have a little cushion for the what — nice to have a little cushion for the what if, _ nice to have a little cushion for the what if, so _ nice to have a little cushion for the what if, so in _ nice to have a little cushion for the what if, so in that- nice to have a little cushion for the what if, so in that event, i nice to have a little cushion forj the what if, so in that event, it comes— the what if, so in that event, it comes in— the what if, so in that event, it comes in handy. _ the what if, so in that event, it comes in handy. but _ the what if, so in that event, it comes in handy. but for- the what if, so in that event, it comes in handy. but for an- the what if, so in that event, it - comes in handy. but for an immediate need, _ comes in handy. but for an immediate need. i_ comes in handy. but for an immediate need. i do _ comes in handy. but for an immediate need. i do not — comes in handy. but for an immediate need, i do not have _ comes in handy. but for an immediate need, i do not have one _ comes in handy. but for an immediate need, i do not have one at _ comes in handy. but for an immediate need, i do not have one at the - need, i do not have one at the present— need, i do not have one at the present moment, _ need, i do not have one at the present moment, so, - need, i do not have one at the present moment, so, you i need, i do not have one at the i present moment, so, you know, stashing _ present moment, so, you know, stashing my— present moment, so, you know, stashing my savings _ present moment, so, you know, stashing my savings and - present moment, so, you know, stashing my savings and have i present moment, so, you know, stashing my savings and have iti present moment, so, you know, i stashing my savings and have it go towards _ stashing my savings and have it go towards the — stashing my savings and have it go towards the bigger— stashing my savings and have it go towards the bigger picture, - towards the bigger picture, purchasing _ towards the bigger picture, purchasing a _ towards the bigger picture, purchasing a house, - towards the bigger picture, purchasing a house, homel towards the bigger picture, _ purchasing a house, home ownership. leaving _ purchasing a house, home ownership. leaving something _ purchasing a house, home ownership. leaving something for— purchasing a house, home ownership. leaving something for the _ purchasing a house, home ownership. leaving something for the kids. - purchasing a house, home ownership. leaving something for the kids. till. leaving something for the kids. all that leaving something for the kids. that good stuff. there is leaving something for the kids. all that good stuff. there is quite interesting, yasmin, because it does not sound to me as if, forgive me if you are wrong, but it doesn't sound as if you are absolutely desperate for it right now, but it is going to make a big difference to your life? correct, i am make a big difference to your life? correct, iam not make a big difference to your life? correct, i am not desperate for it

now, _ correct, i am not desperate for it now, personally because i saved very well. now, personally because i saved very well my— now, personally because i saved very well. my business has reserves. so well. my business has reserves. so we have _ well. my business has reserves. so we have been fine, but there is definitely... it will definitely help — definitely... it will definitely help for— definitely... it will definitely help. for example, in the second quarter— help. for example, in the second quarter of— help. for example, in the second quarter of last year, when my business _ quarter of last year, when my business had to close for three months. — business had to close for three months. i_ business had to close for three months, i had revenue for those three _ months, i had revenue for those three months. i like 2020 definitely took a _ three months. i like 2020 definitely took a hit. — three months. i like 2020 definitely took a hit, so this will help to be able _ took a hit, so this will help to be able to— took a hit, so this will help to be able to save a bit more, to recoup some _ able to save a bit more, to recoup some of— able to save a bit more, to recoup some of those losses. so able to save a bit more, to recoup some of those losses.— able to save a bit more, to recoup some of those losses. so yacht you are plugging _ some of those losses. so yacht you are plugging a _ some of those losses. so yacht you are plugging a gap. _ some of those losses. so yacht you are plugging a gap. as— some of those losses. so yacht you are plugging a gap, as it _ some of those losses. so yacht you are plugging a gap, as it were. i are plugging a gap, as it were. exactly. so what some of the republicans and centrist democrats said, it was not closely targeted enough. the two of you, don't say that you are necessarily desperate for it. what would you say to those arguments? i for it. what would you say to those arguments?— for it. what would you say to those arguments? i would say that i don't think there was _ arguments? i would say that i don't think there was enough. _ arguments? i would say that i don't think there was enough. i _ arguments? i would say that i don't think there was enough. i think i arguments? i would say that i don'tj think there was enough. i think that we are _ think there was enough. i think that we are very— think there was enough. i think that we are very fortunate to have what we are very fortunate to have what we have. _ we are very fortunate to have what we have, our business does well, it

has always— we have, our business does well, it has always done well. before the families— has always done well. before the families -- — has always done well. before the families —— of all the families out there _ families —— of all the families out there that — families —— of all the families out there that are not as fortunate as us, there that are not as fortunate as us. i_ there that are not as fortunate as us. ithink— there that are not as fortunate as us, i think more could have been done _ us, i think more could have been done for— us, i think more could have been done. for example the $50 minimum wa-e done. for example the $50 minimum wage -- _ done. for example the $50 minimum wage "15— done. for example the $50 minimum wage —— 15 minimum wage dollar increase — wage —— 15 minimum wage dollar increase. that could absolutely be absolutely ridiculous, that they didn't— absolutely ridiculous, that they didn't pass it. in united states, our federal didn't pass it. in united states, ourfederal minimum didn't pass it. in united states, our federal minimum wage is $7 nobody— our federal minimum wage is $7 nobody can really live off that. —— $7. nobody can really live off that. —— $7~ 20 _ nobody can really live off that. —— $7~ 20 cents _ nobody can really live off that. —— $7. 20 cents. they should have started _ $7. 20 cents. they should have started with that, but it didn't go through — started with that, but it didn't go through a— started with that, but it didn't go throuth. �* . started with that, but it didn't go throuth. . , ., , , started with that, but it didn't go throuth. . , ., ,, , through. a big part of this bill is the child tax _ through. a big part of this bill is the child tax credit _ through. a big part of this bill is the child tax credit which - through. a big part of this bill is the child tax credit which is i the child tax credit which is basically money for children. it is the premise thatjust by being a child, you should not be poor in america. neither of you have children of your own, i think i'm right in saying that, but yasmin,... you have children because like i do.

i was misinformed! you did mention that, they are for the family! so will you be getting a child tax credit there? i’m will you be getting a child tax credit there?— will you be getting a child tax credit there? �* ., ., �* credit there? i'm sorry? you don't tuali . credit there? i'm sorry? you don't qualify. no. _ credit there? i'm sorry? you don't qualify. no. my — credit there? i'm sorry? you don't qualify. no, my daughter- credit there? i'm sorry? you don't qualify. no, my daughter is i credit there? i'm sorry? you don't qualify. no, my daughter is 21, i credit there? i'm sorry? you don't qualify. no, my daughter is 21, so| qualify. no, my daughter is 21, so no. , ., ., , ., no. 0k. neither if you have small children. no. 0k. neither if you have small children- no _ no. 0k. neither if you have small children. no she _ no. 0k. neither if you have small children. no she is _ no. 0k. neither if you have small children. no she is not _ no. 0k. neither if you have small children. no she is not young, i children. no she is not young, ount. children. no she is not young, young- l _ children. no she is not young, young- ithink— children. no she is not young, young. i think yasmin, - children. no she is not young, young. i think yasmin, you i children. no she is not young, | young. i think yasmin, you are children. no she is not young, i young. i think yasmin, you are right and ou young. i think yasmin, you are right and you have _ young. i think yasmin, you are right and you have nieces _ young. i think yasmin, you are right and you have nieces and _ young. i think yasmin, you are right and you have nieces and nephews i young. i think yasmin, you are right and you have nieces and nephews is that correct?— that correct? that is right. our clients, that correct? that is right. our clients. i— that correct? that is right. our clients, i would _ that correct? that is right. our clients, i would -- _ that correct? that is right. our clients, i would -- ten - that correct? that is right. our clients, i would -- ten of- that correct? that is right. our clients, i would -- ten of our l clients, i would —— ten of our clients — clients, i would —— ten of our clients are _ clients, i would —— ten of our clients are mums as well because of that child _ clients are mums as well because of that child tax credit will help as well. _ that child tax credit will help as well. but — that child tax credit will help as well, but we are also seeing an issue _ well, but we are also seeing an issue with _ well, but we are also seeing an issue with parents who, let's say they— issue with parents who, let's say they have — issue with parents who, let's say they have a _ issue with parents who, let's say they have a two income household, but students that have not been able to -o but students that have not been able to go to _ but students that have not been able to go to school, or their parents don't _ to go to school, or their parents don't want — to go to school, or their parents don't want to keep them at home, but one parent _ don't want to keep them at home, but one parent has had to leave a career or a job. _ one parent has had to leave a career or a job. not — one parent has had to leave a career or a job, not everyone one parent has had to leave a career orajob, not everyone is one parent has had to leave a career or a job, not everyone is able to work— or a job, not everyone is able to work from — or a job, not everyone is able to work from home. for us we had to come _ work from home. for us we had to come into— work from home. for us we had to come into a — work from home. for us we had to come into a space to provide services _

come into a space to provide services i_ come into a space to provide services. i think there is a bit of a gap _ services. i think there is a bit of a gap there _ services. i think there is a bit of a gap there. there wasn't —— there was a _ a gap there. there wasn't —— there was a gap — a gap there. there wasn't —— there was a gap there that wasn't filled. the one _ was a gap there that wasn't filled. the one thing that is going to be different this time is thatjoe biden is going on television tomorrow night, prime time, he is going to ride this as far as he can because he wants to extract support from it, of course, which he can take all the way into the mid times in 2022. i was looking today at what happened with the above at ministrations. there was a report written by bus then university, the democrat fortunes of the bill part of the other nine, and they found that eight county had to be 65% democratic for the recovery act to have showed a statistically significant impact and for some democrats in swing districts the bill may have actually had a negative impact. in swing districts, of course, republicans thought it

was neither spending. i of course, republicans thought it was neither spending.— of course, republicans thought it was neither spending. i think it was different this _ was neither spending. i think it was different this time _ was neither spending. i think it was different this time round, _ was neither spending. i think it was different this time round, joe i was neither spending. i think it was different this time round, joe biden has learned from what happened back into the other nine. one thing that happened was that the stimulus bill was much smaller, eight point —— 800 billion commenced in 1.9 trillion. massive in terms of the money that is being pumped into the economy. and it was not going directly to people, it was going to infrastructure type projects. i remember going on drives and seeing if a touch up borders and billboards. the punishment straight and felt they had not done enough to claim credit, to get the glory of what they had just enacted. that is very different i think this time around, he is doing this tomorrow, we are going to seejoe biden taking much more the public a victory lap because they want to reap the political benefits. one thing they're not doing, joe biden is not putting his signature on those $1400 cheques. rememberthat putting his signature on those $1400 cheques. remember that was something that donald trump, but the biden demonstration and that they want to

get the money out there as quickly as possible. there was criticism of the trump demonstration that took an extra two or three weeks because they all had to go back and have them reprinted with the present buzz my name on them, joe biden is not doing that, to this there was himself, he'sjust getting it checked out the dough without his name on it so that people can have the benefits quicker.— name on it so that people can have the benefits quicker. some of these benefits of the _ the benefits quicker. some of these benefits of the weekend _ the benefits quicker. some of these benefits of the weekend as - the benefits quicker. some of these benefits of the weekend as well, i benefits of the weekend as well, there is a ticking timeline. it finishes for some people on sunday. particularly for something like the eviction and other benefits. that does end quickly. the child tax credits highly for a year. at the moment. but the theory is that it will be very give the mac had to give it to people and take it away afterwards. there are two major fed that we are exploring the hour and there are money and medicine. let's get back to the health side of it. alaska has become the first state in the us to make the covid—19 vaccinations available to anyone over the age of 16. the governor announced last night that a priority system

which was in place has been dropped, effective immediately. alaska was already doing really well in getting people vaccinated — it's number one in america in the percentage of its population to have received two doses. with the summer tourist season fast approaching, the state needs it. so how have they done so well? we can speak to dr elliot bruhl, chief medical officer of the southeast alaska regional health. lovely to have you on the programme. thank you very much. how did you do it? have you been so effective? i it? have you been so effective? i think a big it? have you been so effective? i thinka big part it? have you been so effective? i think a big part of it hasjust been determination, elbow grease. we have prioritised _ determination, elbow grease. we have prioritised this, we have made it our number— prioritised this, we have made it our number one priority. in alaska we have _ our number one priority. in alaska we have a — our number one priority. in alaska we have a history of some devastating effects of past pandemics and recognised the essential nature of this and worked very hard _ essential nature of this and worked very hard to get the vaccine that was available in people because 's arms~ _ was available in people because 's arms~ we — was available in people because 's arms. we have also had a strong

supply— arms. we have also had a strong supply of— arms. we have also had a strong supply of vaccine, not just the state — supply of vaccine, not just the state allocations but also allocations through the indian health— allocations through the indian health service and then we have created — health service and then we have created automated systems that allowed — created automated systems that allowed us to register people and create _ allowed us to register people and create the opportunity for them to -et create the opportunity for them to get a _ create the opportunity for them to get a vaccine using their smartphone, so those other things that have _ smartphone, so those other things that have driven it forward and allowed — that have driven it forward and allowed us to get into the under age groups— allowed us to get into the under age groups pretty quickly. that allowed us to get into the under age groups pretty quickly-— groups pretty quickly. that is . re groups pretty quickly. that is pretty impressive, _ groups pretty quickly. that is pretty impressive, we - groups pretty quickly. that is pretty impressive, we have l groups pretty quickly. that is i pretty impressive, we have just groups pretty quickly. that is - pretty impressive, we have just been seeing pictures. your office backdrop does not do credit to the beat of dash to the beautiful scenery behind you instead! but in your territory, scenery behind you instead! but in yourterritory, in scenery behind you instead! but in your territory, in your state, you have a very big inuit population. we have a very big inuit population. we have coming an honours programme, actually, how badly affected, disproportionately so, native american populations have been. have they suffered and did it have a

system that has helped you get the vaccine out?— system that has helped you get the vaccine out? ~ , , ., , , , vaccine out? well, yes and yes. they have suffered — vaccine out? well, yes and yes. they have suffered disproportionately i vaccine out? well, yes and yes. they have suffered disproportionately and | have suffered disproportionately and many native people in our state live in communities that do not have the levels _ in communities that do not have the levels of— in communities that do not have the levels of services that most people in this— levels of services that most people in this country come to accept as being _ in this country come to accept as being standards, both in terms of water— being standards, both in terms of water and — being standards, both in terms of water and sanitation, but also many members _ water and sanitation, but also many members of— water and sanitation, but also many members of the indigenous community live in— members of the indigenous community live in multi—generational household which _ live in multi—generational household which are _ live in multi—generational household which are pretty close quarters and those _ which are pretty close quarters and those are _ which are pretty close quarters and those are some of the conditions that have — those are some of the conditions that have led to the increase in morbidity— that have led to the increase in morbidity and mortality for people who have — morbidity and mortality for people who have contracted the disease. in who have contracted the disease. in those communities. you have a

who have contracted the disease. ii�*u those communities. you have a pretty small population in sitka, just under 6000 people, but you have vaccinated 70% of your population, which must be one of the highest rates in any community in the world, thatis rates in any community in the world, that is stunning. do you have any vaccine he they make hesitancy, have you come across as a problem? it is you come across as a problem? it is a problem — you come across as a problem? it is a problem everywhere, vaccine hesitancy. _ a problem everywhere, vaccine hesitancy, and we have had educational outreach in the community and a lot of drive within the community as well, recognising some _ the community as well, recognising some of— the community as well, recognising some of our— the community as well, recognising some of our vulnerability, because we are _ some of our vulnerability, because we are a _ some of our vulnerability, because we are a small community. our organisation takes care of actually 27 communities spread out over a huge _ 27 communities spread out over a huge area. — 27 communities spread out over a huge area, larger than the state of florida. _ huge area, larger than the state of florida. all— huge area, larger than the state of florida, all of those committees are landlocked, you can only get into them _ landlocked, you can only get into them with— landlocked, you can only get into them with planes or boats. so these

are island _ them with planes or boats. so these are island communities and distributing vaccines, just getting the vaccine into those communities has been _ the vaccine into those communities has been a — the vaccine into those communities has been a major talent that he might— has been a major talent that he might challenge, but we have put the vaccine _ might challenge, but we have put the vaccine on _ might challenge, but we have put the vaccine on boats and float planes. -- has _ vaccine on boats and float planes. -- has been — vaccine on boats and float planes. —— has been a major challenge was that we _ —— has been a major challenge was that we have — —— has been a major challenge was that we have pushed out into smaller villages— that we have pushed out into smaller villages as _ that we have pushed out into smaller villages as well as our larger communities.— villages as well as our larger communities. , ,, ,, . communities. just like sitka. well, well done to _ communities. just like sitka. well, well done to everybody _ communities. just like sitka. well, well done to everybody up - communities. just like sitka. well, well done to everybody up there. l communities. just like sitka. well, | well done to everybody up there. a fantastic effort. thank you very much for speaking to us. you would be pretty chuffed if he were speaking to back up there in alaska at the moment. in contrast to texas — which is opening up today — despite having one of the worst vaccination rates of any us state. only 16% of texans have had a jab. five and a half thousand new data cases, the seven day rolling average is going upwards and one in 1071 deaths in the last 24—hour period. we were talking to a doctor from

bristol university a little earlier about the variance and what happens if you do not get on top of the outbreak and how the variance might mutate again. lots of people will be looking at access and wondering if thatis looking at access and wondering if that is a good idea. i looking at access and wondering if that is a good idea.— that is a good idea. i think a lot of people _ that is a good idea. i think a lot of people looking _ that is a good idea. i think a lot of people looking at _ that is a good idea. i think a lot of people looking at taxes i that is a good idea. i think a lot of people looking at taxes and l of people looking at taxes and wondering if it is a good idea. the onusis wondering if it is a good idea. the onus is on individual businesses in texas, restaurant, hazards, whatever, to tell people, coming to their business, we are still having social distancing, we are still asking people to wear a mask, but if the people do not want to, i suppose they could just not come to the business, but it's a lot of responsibility for an individual basis to take on something that can be so critical. either way, people who have vaccines seem to be taking an awful lot of vaccines of it. across america, people are fully vaccinated and according to a new poll, only 38% of vaccinated people will now strictly follow social distancing guidelines.

even more worrying — only 28% of people who have no plans to get a vaccine are practising social—distancing. it is not just it is notjust texas, it is all across the country, that the idea that vaccinated or not, people are going to return to normal life which is in itself worrying. by the way, i got it wrong, sitka public vote population, 8500 people. it is in a 6000 people who got vaccinated. we should go and apologise. i got it wrong. we are going to do a swing, we're going to go to california, santa barbara and head up there, had up santa barbara and head up there, had up to alaska, sitka, and now i'm being told in my ear we are going to swing by hawaii as well. the budget is limitless. we demand the director says we definitely need a director. before we need a director, we need a budget! is before we need a director, we need a budtet! . . before we need a director, we need a budtet! , . ., ., , �* budget! is nice to dream isn't it? good to have _ budget! is nice to dream isn't it? good to have these _ budget! is nice to dream isn't it? good to have these things - budget! is nice to dream isn't it? good to have these things to i budget! is nice to dream isn't it? i good to have these things to forward

to. let's stay with us on bbc news, still to come: we're live to scotland to celebrate international bagpipe day, will christian be wearing a kilt? i'v e i've got it ready! i got my own tartan. it's understood that the duchess of sussex formally complained to itv about the effect piers morgan's comments about her could have on the issue of mental health. piers morgan dramatically left itv�*s good morning britain yesterday — after saying he didn't believe a word of what meghan said in her interview with oprah winfrey. my colleague reeta chakrabarti spoke to megyn kelly, the former fox news anchor and nbc news anchor. you can't give a heckler's veto, and even if piers was in trouble, ok, you slap his hand and he went out there yesterday morning and he said, "look, if somebody is struggling with mental health, if somebody is suicidal, i100%

support their right to seek help." and if she did, in fact, complain, something should have been done and there should be an investigation into why it wasn't if it wasn't. but he's basically saying, "i don't buy it." i", having listened to the whole interview and knowing this person, do not believe what she said." he's entitled to that belief. i don't think it's irresponsible for him to say, having covered her now for years, day in, day out, much more than the average person, i have good reason to believe she's not a credible person in this or many other things she says. but perhaps he has offended too many people by saying that he doesn't believe her, particularly on the issue of mental health, which is a very sensitive subject. it is. i'm not going to dispute that. i've covered that a fair amount in my career. and i understand it's difficult for people to talk about mental health. ps, which is why i'm always outing myself as being in therapy. it's working, er, so far! but i think she took a risk in disclosing that. but i don't think her doing that

requires everyone to believe it. and i don't think it's unsound for a commentator to say, "i'm not buying it, i think she's going for sympathy." it's not how i feel, but i, i don't think people being offended, some faction of a huge audience being offended, should cancel somebody's right to speak out. christian and i both have families that hailfrom scotland — christian even has his own tartan! so naturally we need to mark international bagpipe day. long associated with royalty — the bagpipes that is, not me — there has been something of a bagpipe revival in recent years — even ed sheeran's been getting in on the act.

yeah, not actually playing, though himself! well, here to give us a quick guide to bagpiping is kevin macdonald from the red hot chilli pipers. kevin, thank you very much for joining us. first up full disclosure, i had no idea there was actually something as international bagpipe day. it is a big deal and i havejust had my bagpipe day. it is a big deal and i have just had my head bagpipe day. it is a big deal and i havejust had my head in bagpipe day. it is a big deal and i have just had my head in the sand? it has just taken off and it is an it hasjust taken off and it is an opportunity to market in the diary once _ opportunity to market in the diary once a _ opportunity to market in the diary once a year, any bagpiper in the world. _ once a year, any bagpiper in the world. get— once a year, any bagpiper in the world, get your bike out and celebrate and probably annoy your neighbours in the meantime i'm sure! well. _ neighbours in the meantime i'm sure! well. they— neighbours in the meantime i'm sure! well, they will love you for it! is the image of bagpipe inks changing? you look very cool! i think it has changed. — you look very cool! i think it has changed, definitely over the last 20 or 25 years. — changed, definitely over the last 20 or 25 years, i think i went back historically— or 25 years, i think i went back historically it was always to the military — historically it was always to the military. it was always something in

the bad _ military. it was always something in the bad. we as the red hot chilli pipers. _ the bad. we as the red hot chilli pipers. we — the bad. we as the red hot chilli pipers, we have tried to make it a bit cooler— pipers, we have tried to make it a bit cooler a — pipers, we have tried to make it a bit cooler a the frontier and see it as part _ bit cooler a the frontier and see it as part of— bit cooler a the frontier and see it as part of something tojoin bit cooler a the frontier and see it as part of something to join a bit cooler a the frontier and see it as part of something tojoin a rock band. _ as part of something tojoin a rock band. kids — as part of something tojoin a rock band, kids can have fun doing it and ithink— band, kids can have fun doing it and i think with — band, kids can have fun doing it and i think with the help of the scottish— i think with the help of the scottish government and putting money— scottish government and putting money into teaching kids bagpipe and other instruments at school, it has been _ other instruments at school, it has been given— other instruments at school, it has been given this, that instruments can be _ been given this, that instruments can be played as mainstream, like this. _ can be played as mainstream, like this. just — can be played as mainstream, like this, just picking them up and allowing — this, just picking them up and allowing them to feature in that song _ allowing them to feature in that song is. — allowing them to feature in that song is, whether it is with ed sheeran— song is, whether it is with ed sheeran on a set of bagpipes or any other— sheeran on a set of bagpipes or any other mainstream others! it suddenly elevates— other mainstream others! it suddenly elevates the great island bagpipe. being _ elevates the great island bagpipe. being that it is international bagpipe day, we need to talk about history. i've been doing my research today and i see that there was a sculpture that dates back to 1000 bc. it shows bagpipes and the roman emperor nero was also a famous paper. how did it come to be there

in scotland? the paper. how did it come to be there in scotland?— in scotland? the history starts in the middle _ in scotland? the history starts in the middle east _ in scotland? the history starts in the middle east and _ in scotland? the history starts in the middle east and then - in scotland? the history starts in the middle east and then works i the middle east and then works through— the middle east and then works through roman times and i suppose it -ot through roman times and i suppose it got to— through roman times and i suppose it got to the _ through roman times and i suppose it got to the end of scotland and are 'ust got to the end of scotland and are just decided, well, the next place at the _ just decided, well, the next place at the end. — just decided, well, the next place at the end, the sea, so they decided 'ust at the end, the sea, so they decided just to _ at the end, the sea, so they decided just to get _ at the end, the sea, so they decided just to get further. but obviously the links— just to get further. but obviously the links carry on into north america _ the links carry on into north america and as such, but the bagpipes— america and as such, but the bagpipes took prominence in scotland in the _ bagpipes took prominence in scotland in the 15th— bagpipes took prominence in scotland in the 15th and 16th century, and since _ in the 15th and 16th century, and since then. _ in the 15th and 16th century, and since then, they have been a part of the military. — since then, they have been a part of the military, also it is seen as part— the military, also it is seen as part of— the military, also it is seen as part of scottish heritage and culture. _ part of scottish heritage and culture, similarto part of scottish heritage and culture, similar to many celtic regions — culture, similar to many celtic regions in _ culture, similar to many celtic regions in europe.— culture, similar to many celtic retions in euro-e. , ;;:: i: :: , , regions in europe. yes. 3000 papers were killed going _ regions in europe. yes. 3000 papers were killed going over _ regions in europe. yes. 3000 papers were killed going over the _ regions in europe. yes. 3000 papers were killed going over the top - regions in europe. yes. 3000 papers were killed going over the top of i were killed going over the top of the trenches in world war i. incredible. the instrument, it only has, am i right in saying, it only has, am i right in saying, it only has nine notes and no sharps or flats, is that right?— flats, is that right? correct. it has one of— flats, is that right? correct. it has one of the _ flats, is that right? correct. it has one of the weirdest i has one of the weirdest instrumentation notes and information as you go, which makes it really— information as you go, which makes it really hard when you do to ——

when _ it really hard when you do to —— when you — it really hard when you do to —— when you try to come and play a rock son. when you try to come and play a rock song or— when you try to come and play a rock song or a _ when you try to come and play a rock song or a melody where the bagpipes 'ust song or a melody where the bagpipes just do— song or a melody where the bagpipes just do not_ song or a melody where the bagpipes just do not have certain notes, we 'ust just do not have certain notes, we just really— just do not have certain notes, we just really can't change much. you are either— just really can't change much. you are either in— just really can't change much. you are either in the flat or de—flat pitch. — are either in the flat or de—flat pitch, depending on the chain. they really— pitch, depending on the chain. they really can_ pitch, depending on the chain. they really can be different or it fundamentally, it is difficult to what _ fundamentally, it is difficult to what we — fundamentally, it is difficult to what we can do, we are limited, which _ what we can do, we are limited, which is — what we can do, we are limited, which is why most people in the world _ which is why most people in the world would say that it will kind of sounds _ world would say that it will kind of sounds the same! gk, world would say that it will kind of sounds the same!— world would say that it will kind of sounds the same! 0k, kevin, i want to ask more. _ sounds the same! 0k, kevin, i want to ask more. i _ sounds the same! 0k, kevin, i want to ask more, i want _ sounds the same! 0k, kevin, i want to ask more, i want to _ sounds the same! 0k, kevin, i want to ask more, i want to know - sounds the same! 0k, kevin, i want to ask more, i want to know how- sounds the same! 0k, kevin, i want i to ask more, i want to know how hard it is, but i know we are running out of time, but really what i wanted to do it for you play, because if you don't play, i have this awful feeling that christian will try and thatis feeling that christian will try and that is really not going to work for any of us! kevin macdonald, tiger's away! —— tiger's away. he plays a

tune. hello is a very windy weather on the way for the uk in the days ahead. it has got —— it is not really quieting down until we get into next week. the strongest of the went through in the next 2a hours and some very stormy seas to the west of the uk. this area of low pressure continues to deepen and move its way from the atlantic. it gives us plenty of clouds, that will bear some further heavy rain overnight. the most persistent rain perhaps sweeping away from the uk, 3008 day time but they went will be strong enough to ring in some scattered showers through the course of the day. the sunshine may not look too bad, but it may look chilly at that has done on wednesday and

the winds may be extra scattered and we may see some lively showers going from west to east. perhaps the risk of some hail and thunder. temperatures in the north of the uk are down a degree or so from wednesday. forthe are down a degree or so from wednesday. for the went, are down a degree or so from wednesday. forthe went, it are down a degree or so from wednesday. for the went, it is the figures in the black circles we need to concentrate on, these are the gusts and the strength of those gusts and the strength of those gusts will do the damage. some western coast could seek gas through thursday daytime of 80 mph. land across england and wales, 45 or 50 mph. friday, little quieter but we can still see the low pressure driving in, a notable westerly wind across the uk on friday. some more potent showers again, pushing across england and wales through the morning and the western coasts with the most frequent showers and it will be when truth anything across the hills of scotland as we all start to move in to some slightly chilly air. even on saturday, low pressure

still to the north of the uk. this time we're pushing through a more organised band of rain overnight, friday into saturday. at the moment, it looks like the wettest of the weather will clear away eastwards quite quickly, but again the wind continuing to feed in showers through the day on saturday, perhaps lumping together into more persistent rain across parts of scotland and northern ireland. and a chillier feel — temperatures for the majority in single figures. even on sunday, low pressure is still driving the show. generally, i think there's some finer weather to come, a little bit of a break between two areas of low pressure, and the wind relatively lighter. and i think, with some sunshine, actually, sunday, not too bad a day overall. but we will get more cloud coming into the west through the afternoon and some evening rain for western scotland, northern england and northern ireland. temperatures come up just a shade. the first signs of some real change, monday, as this area of high pressure tries to push in from the azores. first thing on monday, again, though, the chance of some more widespread showers across england and wales. through the day, however, i think actually quite a lot

of sunshine and the winds falling lighter, but they're still there to the east of the uk — this time they're coming in from the north. so they'll still be notable, because they will be chilly, but they won't be as strong as they will be in the next few days. and then on into next week. at the moment, it's looking pretty confident that high pressure will come to dominate across the uk. that will calm the winds down very nicely, could mean clear skies and some frosty nights. just how warm will the days be, though? that depends on exactly where this high centres up. at the moment, with the centre to the west of the uk, that leaves us on its eastern edge and potentially with some quite chilly air coming in on an arctic air stream and a northerly wind. but exactly where that high comes to rest will be critical as to how spring—like things will feel for us as we head into next week.

tonight at ten: a serving police officer is arrested on suspicion of murder after the disappearance of a woman in south london. sarah everard, who was 33, was last seen a week ago on her way home from a friend's house in the clapham area. police revealed tonight that searches near ashford in kent have found human remains, and they confirmed details about the suspect who's in custody. the news today that it was a metropolitan police officer who was arrested on suspicion of sarah's murder has sent shock waves and anger through the public, and through the met. we'll have more from kent and the latest from scotland yard. also tonight...

the test—and—trace scheme has cost a staggering amount